CMS issued special instructions for the International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification 10th Edition (ICD-10-CM) Coding on home health claims that span October 1, 2014. In an earlier transmittal CMS stated it would “allow HHAs to use the payment group code derived from ICD-9-CM codes on claims which span 10/1, but require those claims to be submitted using ICD-10-CM codes.”

Initial Episodes that begin prior to October 1, 2014

In the case of home health episodes, the assessment completion date (M0090 date) determines whether the HH Grouper software that determines the payment group for the episode will apply ICD-9-CM or ICD-10-CM codes to the episode. In the case where the episode start of care date is before October 1, 2014 and the M0090 date is also before October 1, 2014, ICD-9-CM codes will be used on the OASIS and to determine the payment group code (the Health Insurance Prospective Payment System (HIPPS) code).

Episodes Starting Before October 1, 2014 with OASIS Completion Dates in October 2014

There may be cases where the episode start of care date is before October 1, 2014 and, due to the 5 day completion window, the M0090 date is in October 2014. For example, an initial episode with a start of care date of September 28, 2014 could have an M0090 date of October 2, 2014. In these cases, ICD-10-CM codes will be used on the OASIS and to determine the HIPPS code.

In the Friday, February 21 issue of the Federal Register, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) posted a notice extending the deadline for comment on the Proposed Rule for Emergency Preparedness Requirements for Medicare and Medicaid Participating Providers and Suppliers first published on December 27, 2013 here.

The comment period that was scheduled to end on Tuesday, February 25 has been extended to Monday, March 31.

NAHC and HHNA Seek 2014 Nominations for America’s Top Nurses in Home Care & Hospice

The National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) and the Home Healthcare Nurses Association (HHNA) are launching their third annual Nurse Recognition Program. They are now accepting nominations to honor and recognize home care and hospice nurses from across the country.

One nurse will be recognized from each state and one of those 50 nurses will be chosen as Home Care & Hospice Nurse of the Year. Home care and hospice agencies that are NAHC members may nominate any registered nurse to represent their state for 2014. Nominations will be reviewed by the Nurse Recognition Program Selection Committee.

“Our focus is highlighting the impact that nurses make day in and day out in homes across the country,” said Andrea L. Devoti, MSN, MBA, CHCE, and NAHC chairman of the board. “We have a unique opportunity to put a face on the industry.”

“We intend for these top nurses to serve as role models who will inspire their peers to become leaders in enhancing the quality of health care, preserving the standards of nursing, and expanding opportunities in the profession,” said Elaine Stephens, RN, MPH, FHHC, and chairman of HHNA.

The ongoing recognition program will collect stories of special home care and hospice nurses who have served their agencies by providing exceptional care, reducing hospital readmissions, and making a difference in patients’ lives. The selection committee will review all the nominees to choose those who best represent the ideals that are honored during National Nurses Week each May. The nurses will be highlighted in the May issue of CARING and have their registration fee waived at the NAHC Annual Meeting in October.

We have an opening for a Private Duty Nursing Supervisor in St. Louis, MO. Must have current Missouri RN license, at least two years of private duty nursing experience with medically fragile patients, and one year of private duty supervisory experience. The position is full time, Monday through Friday.

We are a solid company and offer an attractive salary and benefits package that includes medical and dental insurance, vision-care plan, life insurance, and paid personal and vacation time. Please send resume to ConfidentialPrivateDutyNursing@gmail.com.

Private Duty Staffing Coordinator

Immediate opening for a Private Duty Staffing Coordinator in St. Louis, MO. We are looking for someone with a minimum of one year private duty nursing scheduling experience at a licensed homecare agency. The position is full time, Monday through Friday.

We are a solid company and offer an attractive salary and benefits package that includes medical and dental insurance, vision-care plan, life insurance, and paid personal and vacation time. Please send resume to ConfidentialPrivateDutyNursing@gmail.com.

For information about placing an ad, contact Scott Baum at ads@nahc.org.

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